A24 has released a first look at Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as mixed martial artist Mark Kerr in the upcoming biopic “The Smashing Machine.” The shot, uploaded on social media, showed the traditionally bald wrestler appearing nearly unrecognizable as Kerr, with short black hair and his famous tattoos covered up.
Johnson’s casting as Kerr was announced in December. On Tuesday, the actor and WWE star announced that the film will begin filming this week and that he trained with Kerr, 55, whom he described as a “machine.”
“I’ll forever be grateful to the core for our his invaluable knowledge he’s been gracious enough to pass onto me and especially for the brotherhood we share,” Johnson wrote.
Benny Safdie’s solo directorial debut follows his famous collaborations with his brother Josh on A24 hits such as Good Time and Uncut Gems. Safdie’s relationship with Johnson stretches back to 2019, however the project was pushed back owing to the pandemic. Blunt’s screening of the 2002 documentary The Smashing Machine: The Life and Times of Extreme Fighter Mark Kerr rekindled the project. Blunt encouraged Johnson to seek the job, persuaded of the story’s importance.
“The Smashing Machine” appears to be Johnson’s first foray into more dramatic, and potentially Oscar-worthy, roles following years of appearing in action pictures and comedies such as “Jumanji” and “Fast & Furious”. The film is intended to focus on Kerr’s fight with addiction.